A filler cap actuator and its locking mechanism

Abstract

The utility model discloses an oil tank cover executor and locking mechanism thereof belong to the technical field of automobile parts, the utility model provides a locking mechanism, which comprises a worm gear motor, a locking gear and a proximity switch, the worm gear motor is engaged with the locking gear, the proximity switch is used for detecting whether the oil tank cover executor's top rod is retracted in place, and the locking gear is used for locking or releasing the position of the top rod, the oil tank cover executor provided by the utility model comprises the locking mechanism, a push rod assembly, a position limiting piece, an inner shell and an outer shell, the locking mechanism is rationally designed and stably runs, even on the road condition of jolt, the locking position will not change due to the vibration of the automobile, and the oil tank cover executor with the locking mechanism has the characteristics of small size and stable overall operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of automotive parts technology, specifically relating to a fuel tank cap actuator and its locking mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] The fuel tank cap actuator in a car is a key component controlling the opening and closing of the fuel tank cap. It locks and unlocks the fuel tank cap mechanically or electrically. Traditional actuators mostly use a mechanical structure, employing a locking rod and a locking sleeve to press or pull a cable to open or close the fuel tank cap. However, this purely mechanical control method is susceptible to interference from external factors, leading to malfunctions.

[0003] Modern automotive fuel tank cap actuators combine electric and mechanical methods to prevent accidental operation and improve safety. For example, some new actuators require the motor to be started via a controller switch on the vehicle body or key before the fuel tank cap can be opened by pressing. This design not only improves ease of operation but also prevents unauthorized opening of the fuel tank cap. However, some fuel tank cap actuators with electric locking functions suffer from unstable locking mechanisms, making them susceptible to damage from vehicle bumps and vibrations. Utility Model Content

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a locking mechanism for a fuel tank cap actuator that is stable in operation and is not affected by the movement of a car, and a fuel tank cap actuator having the locking mechanism.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows: a locking mechanism for a fuel tank cap actuator, the locking mechanism including a worm gear motor, a locking gear and a proximity switch; the worm gear motor meshes with the locking gear; the proximity switch is used to detect whether the push rod of the fuel tank cap actuator has retracted into place; the locking gear is used to lock or release the position of the push rod.

[0006] Furthermore, the locking gear includes an incomplete gear and a locking key connected to each other, the locking key being positioned where the incomplete gear has no teeth.

[0007] Furthermore, a resistance element is fitted inside the central hole of the incomplete gear.

[0008] Furthermore, the resistance element is a spring.

[0009] Furthermore, the proximity switch includes a reed switch and a magnet; the magnet is connected to the push rod.

[0010] Furthermore, it also includes a first PCB board, on which the reed switch is disposed.

[0011] Furthermore, it also includes a second PCB board, with the first PCB board and the second PCB board disposed opposite each other on both sides of the top rod; the first PCB board and the second PCB board are electrically connected, and the second PCB board is electrically connected to the motor.

[0012] Another technical solution adopted by this utility model is: a fuel tank cap actuator, including any of the above-mentioned locking mechanisms, as well as a push rod assembly, a stop member, an inner shell and an outer shell;

[0013] The fuel tank cover actuator works in conjunction with the stop component to extend and retract the push rod;

[0014] Both the locking mechanism and the push rod assembly are connected to the inner shell;

[0015] The outer shell includes a detachably connected upper shell and a lower shell; the inner shell is connected to the lower shell.

[0016] The upper housing is provided with an opening for the top rod to extend out.

[0017] Furthermore, the push rod assembly includes a locking groove that engages with a locking gear to lock or release the position of the push rod.

[0018] Furthermore, the push rod assembly includes a push rod, a sliding assembly, and a spring plate;

[0019] The surface of the push rod is provided with a spiral groove along its axial direction, the inner shell is provided with a through hole, and the inner wall of the through hole is provided with a guide key that matches the spiral groove; one end of the sliding assembly is connected to the push rod, and the other end is connected to one end of the spring piece; the end of the spring piece that is not connected to the sliding assembly is provided with a stop key;

[0020] The stop member is rotatably connected to the inner shell; the inner shell is provided with a space to accommodate and allow the stop member to rotate; the stop member has a groove on the side facing the spring piece, and the groove is divided into a Y-shape by a stop block disposed therein; the stop block is used to engage the spring piece with the stop member.

[0021] When the push rod rotates relative to the inner shell, the stop key slides in the groove.

[0022] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: The locking mechanism provided by this utility model has a reasonable structural design and stable operation. Even on bumpy roads, the locking position will not change due to vehicle vibration, effectively ensuring that the fuel tank remains tightly closed during vehicle operation. The fuel tank cap actuator provided by this utility model has the above-mentioned locking mechanism, and the design and layout of each structure are reasonable. It will not significantly increase the size of the fuel tank cap actuator, and the various mechanisms can still be set up in a relatively small installation space, realizing the manual and electric opening and closing of the fuel tank cap. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the locking mechanism according to a specific embodiment of the present utility model;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a side view of the locking mechanism according to a specific embodiment of the present utility model;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the locking mechanism according to a specific embodiment of the present utility model;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the locking mechanism according to a specific embodiment of the present utility model;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the stop member according to a specific embodiment of the present utility model;

[0028] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the structure of the fuel tank cover actuator according to a specific embodiment of this utility model;

[0029] Figure 7 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the fuel tank cap actuator according to a specific embodiment of the present utility model;

[0030] Label Explanation:

[0031] 1. Worm Gear Motor

[0032] 2. Locking gear; 21. Incomplete gear; 22. Locking key; 23. Resistance element;

[0033] 3. Proximity switch; 31. Reed switch; 32. Magnet;

[0034] 4. First PCB board;

[0035] 5. Second PCB board;

[0036] 6. Lower housing; 61. Positioning post;

[0037] 7. Stop element; 71. Slide groove; 72. Stop block;

[0038] 81. Top rod; 811. Spiral groove; 82. Locking groove; 83. Sliding assembly; 84. Spring piece; 85. Stop key; 86. Elastic element. Detailed Implementation

[0039] To explain in detail the technical content, objectives, and effects of this utility model, the following description is provided in conjunction with the embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0040] Please refer to Figure 1 as well as Figure 4A locking mechanism for a fuel tank cap actuator includes a worm gear motor, a locking gear, and a proximity switch; the worm gear motor meshes with the locking gear; the proximity switch is used to detect whether the push rod of the fuel tank cap actuator has retracted into place; the locking gear is used to lock or release the position of the push rod.

[0041] As described above, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: the proximity switch is used to detect whether the push rod of the fuel tank cap actuator has retracted into place. When the push rod is retracted into place, the locking gear locks with the push rod. This locking mechanism achieves precise control of mechanical transmission through the cooperation of the worm gear motor and the locking gear, while using the proximity switch for electronic detection to ensure the accuracy of the push rod position. The locking mechanism is only activated when the push rod is fully in place, thereby effectively preventing fuel leakage or safety hazards caused by incomplete closure, and improving the reliability and stability of the system. Even under harsh environmental conditions (such as high temperature, low temperature, high humidity, etc.), the mechanical structure of the worm gear motor and the locking gear can still work stably, ensuring the normal operation of the fuel tank cap. At the same time, this locking mechanism has high versatility and can be adapted to fuel tank cap actuators of various vehicle models, with broad market application prospects. Furthermore, the worm gear motor, locking gear, and proximity switch adopt a modular design, which facilitates installation and maintenance, reducing maintenance time and costs.

[0042] In one or more embodiments, the locking gear includes an incomplete gear and a locking key connected to each other, with the locking key positioned on the incomplete gear where it is toothless. The teeth of the incomplete gear mesh with the worm gear of the worm motor, enabling intermittent movement of the incomplete gear. This allows the push rod to be quickly locked or unlocked when needed, while remaining stationary at other times, improving system flexibility and allowing adjustment of the ratio of movement to stillness according to actual needs. Rotation of the worm motor drives the incomplete gear to rotate, which in turn drives the locking key to rotate. In the unlocked position, the locking key does not contact the push rod, while in the locked position, it contacts the push rod, preventing rotation of the push rod due to disengagement.

[0043] Preferably, the incomplete gear and the locking key are integrally formed. The locking gear adopts a design where the incomplete gear and the locking key are integrally formed, which reduces the number of parts, lowers the assembly difficulty and cost, and improves the stability and reliability of the overall structure.

[0044] In one or more embodiments, a resistance element is fitted inside the central hole of the incomplete gear. The resistance element increases the resistance to the rotation of the incomplete gear, preventing it from rotating randomly when stationary. This ensures that the fuel tank cap can be reliably locked when closed, preventing accidental unlocking due to vibration or external force.

[0045] In one or more embodiments, the resistance element is a spring.

[0046] In one or more embodiments, the proximity switch includes a reed switch and a magnet; the magnet is connected to a push rod. Controlling the locking mechanism causes the worm gear motor to rotate, driving the locking gear to the unlocked position. When the user presses the push rod, it disengages from the lock and moves upward, simultaneously moving the magnet away from the reed switch. Pressing the push rod again causes it to move downward and lock, at which point the magnet and reed switch respond, causing the worm gear motor to rotate and drive the locking gear to the locked position. The interaction between the reed switch and the magnet is a non-contact detection method, avoiding mechanical wear issues that occur with long-term use, thus improving the system's lifespan. Furthermore, the reed switch's fast response speed allows for rapid detection of changes in the push rod's position, further ensuring the accuracy of the fuel tank cap's locking and unlocking actions. Simultaneously, the interaction between the reed switch and the magnet allows for installation without increasing the overall size of the fuel tank cap actuator.

[0047] In one or more embodiments, a first PCB board is also included, on which a reed switch is disposed.

[0048] In one or more embodiments, a second PCB board is further included, with the first and second PCB boards disposed opposite each other on both sides of the top rod; the first PCB board is electrically connected to the second PCB board, and the second PCB board is electrically connected to the motor. The position and number of PCB boards can be adjusted and varied according to the installation space and the position of other mechanisms. A method is provided herein as... Figure 1 This layout maximizes space utilization and ensures a stable connection.

[0049] Please refer to Figures 1-6 A fuel tank cap actuator includes any of the above-described locking mechanisms, as well as a push rod assembly, a stop member, an inner housing, and an outer housing;

[0050] The fuel tank cover actuator works in conjunction with the stop component to extend and retract the push rod relative to the housing;

[0051] Both the locking mechanism and the push rod assembly are connected to the inner shell, i.e., installed on the inner shell;

[0052] The outer shell includes a detachably connected upper shell and a lower shell; the inner shell is connected to the lower shell, i.e., installed on the lower shell;

[0053] The upper housing is provided with an opening for the top rod to extend out.

[0054] In one or more embodiments, the push rod assembly includes a locking groove disposed on the push rod. The locking groove engages with a locking gear to lock or release the position of the push rod.

[0055] In one or more embodiments, the locking groove is open at one end and closed at the other. The locking groove is used to accommodate a locking key. When the locking key moves into the locking groove and abuts against the closed end, locking is achieved. When the locking key is completely removed from the locking groove, unlocking is achieved.

[0056] In one or more embodiments, the push rod assembly includes a push rod, a sliding assembly, and a spring;

[0057] The surface of the push rod is provided with a spiral groove along its axial direction, and the inner shell is provided with a through hole. The inner wall of the through hole is provided with a guide key that matches the spiral groove. One end of the sliding assembly is connected to the push rod, and the other end is connected to one end of the spring piece. The end of the spring piece that is not connected to the sliding assembly is provided with a stop key.

[0058] The stop member is rotatably connected to the inner shell; the inner shell has a space to accommodate and allow the stop member to rotate; the side of the stop member facing the spring has a groove, and the groove is divided into an inverted Y-shape by a stop block set in it; the stop block is used to engage the spring and the stop member; the stop block is inverted V-shaped.

[0059] The inner shell is equipped with a slide rail that cooperates with the sliding component;

[0060] When the push rod rotates relative to the inner shell, the stop key slides in the groove.

[0061] As described above, the guide key is fixed to the inner shell and remains unchanged throughout the entire movement. It engages with the spiral groove to fix the movement of the push rod, allowing it to rotate synchronously during axial lifting and lowering, thus achieving rotational lifting. When the push rod rotates upward, the sliding assembly rises synchronously in a direction parallel to the push rod's axial direction, which in turn drives the spring to rise. The spring further drives the stop key to rise. Since the stop component has no upward space and the stop key engages with the slide groove, the stop component with the slide groove will rotate (oscillate) to match the displacement of the stop key. When the push rod rotates downward, the rotation direction is related to the upward direction, i.e., clockwise and counterclockwise. The sliding assembly and spring descend synchronously, the stop component rotates (oscillates), and the stop key slides in the slide groove while descending simultaneously. The engagement of the stop component, slide groove, stop block, and stop key is a commonly used structure in the field of oil tank actuators, and this utility model provides an exemplary embodiment. Figure 5This invention is one type of similar structure based on the same principle, but other types can also be substituted. This invention also includes a slide rail on the inner shell, a structure not found in existing fuel tank cap actuators. By providing the slide rail, in conjunction with the sliding component, the stability of the push rod assembly during overall movement and even the stability of the entire actuator can be further improved. This invention also adds a spring plate structure, which, compared to the traditional structure of directly connecting the stop key to the top rod or sliding component, provides the deformation space required for different motion trajectory transitions, making the operation of each mechanism more stable and smooth throughout the entire movement process. The stop block is inverted V-shaped, allowing the stop key to slide into the inverted V-shaped groove when it moves along the slide groove to below the stop block, achieving engagement and locking. In one or more embodiments, the push rod assembly further includes an elastic element; the outer shell includes an upper shell and a lower shell; a positioning post is provided on the lower shell;

[0062] The top rod has a blind hole, the positioning pin is inserted into the blind hole, the elastic element is located in the blind hole, and one end of the elastic element abuts against the positioning pin.

[0063] The top of the upper housing has an opening to allow the push rod of the push rod assembly installed therein to extend outside the housing.

[0064] As described above, the fuel tank cap actuator includes an open position and a locked position. When in the open position, the fuel tank cap is open; when in the locked position, the fuel tank cap is closed. One end of the push rod is connected to the fuel tank cap outside the housing. The opening and closing of the fuel tank cap is achieved by the up-and-down movement (along its axial direction) of the push rod within the housing.

[0065] Specifically, in one or more embodiments, when the fuel tank cap actuator is in the locked position, i.e., when the fuel tank cap is closed, the push rod retracts into the housing, the elastic element is compressed, and the stop key is engaged in the stop block. If the fuel tank cap needs to be opened at this time, the user first electrically opens the locking mechanism, placing it in the unlocked position (i.e., the locking key disengages from the locking groove). Then, the user presses the fuel tank cap, applying force to the push rod. The push rod experiences downward pressure, causing the stop key to disengage from the stop block, releasing the lock. Then, under the action of the elastic element, the push rod is lifted by the elastic element. During the lifting process, because the push rod surface has a spiral groove along its axial direction, and the inner wall of the through hole of the inner housing has a guide key adapted to the spiral groove, the push rod rotates upwards, changing the fuel tank cap actuator from the locked position to the open position.

[0066] In the open position, i.e., when the fuel tank cap is open, the push rod extends mostly out of the housing, the elastic element is in a free state, and the stop key is in the groove of the stop element. To close the fuel tank cap, the user presses the cap again, applying force to the push rod. The push rod moves downwards and rotates, compressing the elastic element. This rotation is opposite to the direction of the initial lifting. The stop key slides in the groove until it engages again in the stop block. Simultaneously, the magnet and reed switch respond, the worm gear motor rotates, and the locking gear rotates to the locked position.

[0067] Please refer to Figures 1-4 Embodiment 1 of this utility model is as follows:

[0068] A locking mechanism for a fuel tank cap actuator includes a worm gear motor 1, a locking gear 2, a proximity switch 3, a first PCB board 4, and a second PCB board 5;

[0069] The locking gear 2 includes an incomplete gear 21 and a locking key 22 connected to each other. The locking key 22 is located at the position where the incomplete gear 21 does not have teeth. The incomplete gear 21 and the locking key 22 are integrally formed. A first spring 32 is sleeved in the center hole of the incomplete gear 21.

[0070] The proximity switch 3 includes a reed switch 31 and a magnet 32; the magnet 32 ​​is connected to a push rod; the reed switch 31 is disposed on the first PCB board 4.

[0071] The worm gear motor 1 meshes with the incomplete gear 21;

[0072] The first PCB board 4 and the second PCB board 5 are disposed opposite each other on both sides of the top rod; the first PCB board 4 and the second PCB board 5 are electrically connected, and the second PCB board 5 is electrically connected to the worm gear motor 1.

[0073] Please refer to Figures 1-7 Embodiment two of this utility model is as follows:

[0074] A fuel tank cap actuator includes a locking mechanism as described in Embodiment 1, as well as a push rod assembly, a stop member 7, an inner shell, and an outer shell;

[0075] The push rod assembly includes a push rod 81, a sliding assembly 83, a spring 84, and a second spring (elastic element 86).

[0076] The surface of the push rod 81 is provided with a spiral groove 811 along its axial direction, and the inner shell is provided with a through hole. The inner wall of the through hole is provided with a guide key that matches the spiral groove 811. One end of the sliding component 83 is connected to the push rod 81, and the other end is connected to one end of the spring piece 84. The end of the spring piece 84 that is not connected to the sliding component 83 is provided with a stop key 85. The surface of the push rod 81 is provided with a locking groove 82, which is located below the spiral groove 811.

[0077] The stop member 7 is rotatably connected to the inner shell; the inner shell has a space to accommodate and allow the stop member 7 to rotate; the inner shell has a slide rail that cooperates with the sliding assembly 83; the stop member 7 has a groove 71 on the side facing the spring piece 84, and the groove 71 is divided into a Y shape by a stop block 72 disposed therein; the stop block 72 is used to engage the spring piece 84 with the stop member 7.

[0078] The outer casing includes a detachably connected upper casing and a lower casing 6; the lower casing 6 is provided with a positioning post 62;

[0079] The push rod 81 has a blind hole, the positioning post 62 is inserted into the blind hole, and the second spring (elastic element 86) is located in the blind hole, with one end of the second spring (elastic element 86) abutting against the positioning post 62.

[0080] The above description is merely an embodiment of this utility model and does not limit the patent scope of this utility model. Any equivalent modifications made based on the content of this utility model specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A locking mechanism for a fuel tank cap actuator, characterized in that, It includes a worm gear motor, a locking gear, and a proximity switch; the worm gear motor meshes with the locking gear; the proximity switch is used to detect whether the push rod of the fuel tank cap actuator has retracted into place; the locking gear is used to lock or release the position of the push rod.

2. The locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking gear includes an incomplete gear and a locking key connected to each other, the locking key being located at a position where the incomplete gear has no teeth.

3. The locking mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, A resistance element is fitted inside the central hole of the incomplete gear.

4. The locking mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, The resistance element is a spring.

5. The locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The proximity switch includes a reed switch and a magnet; the magnet is connected to the push rod.

6. The locking mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes a first PCB board, on which the reed switch is disposed.

7. The locking mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a second PCB board, with the first and second PCB boards disposed opposite each other on both sides of the top rod; the first PCB board and the second PCB board are electrically connected, and the second PCB board is electrically connected to the motor.

8. A fuel tank cap actuator, characterized in that, Includes the locking mechanism as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, as well as a push rod assembly, a stop member, an inner shell, and an outer shell; The fuel tank cover actuator works in conjunction with the stop component to extend and retract the push rod; Both the locking mechanism and the push rod assembly are connected to the inner shell; The outer shell includes a detachably connected upper shell and a lower shell; the inner shell is connected to the lower shell. The upper housing is provided with an opening for the top rod to extend out.

9. The fuel tank cover actuator according to claim 8, characterized in that, The push rod assembly includes a locking groove, which engages with a locking gear to lock or release the position of the push rod.

10. The fuel tank cover actuator according to claim 8, characterized in that, The push rod assembly includes a push rod, a sliding assembly, and a spring plate; The surface of the push rod is provided with a spiral groove along its axial direction, the inner shell is provided with a through hole, and the inner wall of the through hole is provided with a guide key that matches the spiral groove; one end of the sliding assembly is connected to the push rod, and the other end is connected to one end of the spring piece; the end of the spring piece that is not connected to the sliding assembly is provided with a stop key; The stop member is rotatably connected to the inner shell; the inner shell is provided with a space to accommodate and allow the stop member to rotate; the stop member has a groove on the side facing the spring piece, and the groove is divided into a Y-shape by a stop block disposed therein; the stop block is used to engage the spring piece with the stop member. When the push rod rotates relative to the inner shell, the stop key slides in the groove.

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